DOMA forced the federal government to disrespect the legal marriages of same-sex couples regardless of where they lived. This new bill, if enacted, would force the federal government to disrespect the legal marriages of same-sex couples in (currently) more than half the country.

Today, one of America's two main political parties stands on the cusp of endorsing the freedom to marry for committed, loving same-sex couples. Talk about a turning of the tide. Still, as advocates for LGBT people, we cannot rest in the comfort of recent successes.

What today's senators need to know is that voting to ensure that all Americans enjoy the same rights does not require so much courage -- the American people are already ahead of them on these issues. Recent elections made that clear.

The actual legislative road forward may be difficult in the immediate future, but there is reason to celebrate the vote and what it means for the shifting political landscape of full marriage equality.

If the federal government recognized same-sex marriage, when I or my partner died, the other would get health benefits, his partner's social security and a big break on inheritance taxes. But we undoubtedly won't be alive when that happens.

As the Senate Judiciary Committee begins debate on the Respect for Marriage Act on Capitol Hill, our nation takes a much-needed step toward making liberty and justice for all not just a pledge but a reality.

In case the majority of Americans who say they support marriage equality wasn't convincing enough for repealing DOMA, 70 of the nation's leading businesses and organizations are adding their voice to the growing chorus.

It is a sad irony that DADT's demise has allowed LGB service members to serve their country openly, yet their same-sex spouses who are federal employees can be denied the ability to use FMLA time to take part in family support services.

Even as we in Congress work to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act legislatively, there are lawsuits challenging its constitutionality progressing through the courts around the country. The momentum in this fight is clearly on our side.

On Saturday, Obama has the opportunity -- and I believe the obligation -- to speak in moral as well as concrete terms about non-gay people's stake in ending the exclusion and discrimination gay people endure.